When starting CPAP, they stopped my O2. But isn’t it still helpful?
I recently learned that, following using oxygen only overnight for almost a decade, those times it wasn’t used may have been behind my newest diagnosis of heart failure? Or, does COPD contribute to that?
HFpEF —heart failure with preserved ejection fraction — (unknown, and following a prior in-house cardiac 3-day workup, where my heart was said to be just fine), revealed only incidentally by a blessedly wise cardiologist ordering a right heart cath), meant my heart was stiff, having difficulty passing newly oxygenated blood.
So, my inexplicable breathlessness for years wasn't only COPD? Even with CPAP, I\it still dips below 88%, but for not as long…
Thus, the new switch to CPAP — but without oxygen — has me nervous!
Hi
. I can understand why you are nervous. Have you asked your doctor about hooking up oxygen to your CPAP? They might want to see evidence that you are still low on oxygen after CPAP treatment first, but I would probably insist that they measure your nighttime oxygen levels if they are not already. Sleep apnea can most definitely cause heart attack or stroke even without COPD. I hope treating it helps. The left side of my husband's heart was enlarged before he was diagnosed with sleep apnea. After using a CPAP for a year, his heart returned to normal. - Lori (Team Member)
